Meet Melissa and learn more about her job as a TV promotion agent for artists like Self Esteem. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
Working in TV promotions for a record label, my main aim is to get my artists and their music on the TV. So that might be getting a video played on MTV, it might be getting them an interview on something like BBC Breakfast or The Playlist or Later…with Jools Holland, which is the pinnacle of any artist's career – they all want to be on that show.
This weekend, we've had Self Esteem who's on the BBC Introducing stage – she did an awesome set there.
The best bit of my job is getting a fantastic booking on TV for my artists and knowing it's going to make a difference. Sometimes it can just be a small show but it's the first thing they've ever done on TV and that's really impactful. Sometimes it can be something massive that you think's going to change their career.
I originally started by getting a temporary job on reception at Abbey Road Studios. My aim was always to work for a label called Parlophone and, after applying for lots of jobs, I got a secondment and from that point on I stayed within the labels and worked my way through those different roles, starting in marketing and then moving into promotions, which has always been my favourite bit. You get to work a bit more with the artists and you get to work with radio and TV and that, I think, is the most exciting part of it.
Skills you need to work in the industry – it's quite a lot of resilience and energy. No matter what area you work in, you need to be able to work hard and not give up. It's also really important to get on well with people, have great communication skills. You're often speaking to a lot of different people at the same time and you need to be able to liaise and communicate with everybody and keep people happy all the time.
My advice would be to start early and start wherever you can. So if you know that your mates are in a band, get involved with them and help them promote their gigs, get involved with your local university radio station, there are a lot of local TV stations now again, the Student Radio Association is a fantastic resource that you can get involved with. Get your own show, work behind the scenes and then you get to know people that are working in the industry and, from there, you can work your way up.
I started by getting a temporary job on reception at Abbey Road Studios.
Melissa works as a TV promotions agent with a range of different artists including Self Esteem, who she promoted at Bluedot
A key element of her job is to get TV promotion for the artists she represents. That could be on BBC Breakfast, a video played on MTV or a slot on Later…with Jules Holland
Working as a receptionist at Abbey Road Studios was Melissa's first step into the industry. After applying for lots of different jobs, she then got a role with a record label. Since then, she's stayed within the labels and moved from marketing to promotions. She loves being in promotions as she gets to directly work with the artists, securing them slots on radio and TV
According to Melissa, the skills you need in the industry are resilience, an abundance of energy and great communication skills
Melissa's advice to get into the industry is to start early and make the most of any connections or opportunities that you have. Get involved with student radio, university events or even friends who have a band, get to know the industry and work your way up.
Melissa is a TV promotions agent. A similar role to this is a music promotions manager. Music promotions managers publicise recording artists or live music events.
What to expect if you want to be a music promotions manager
- Music promotions manager average salary: £24,000 to £65,000 per year
- Music promotions manager typical working hours: 38 to 40 hours per week. You may work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
What qualifications do you need to be a music promotions manager?
You could get into this role via a university course, a college course, an apprenticeship, volunteering or applying directly.
Sources: National Careers Service
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
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